Overview
Ultimate Guide to the Special Hiring Program for Taiwan (SHPT) in 2025
Are you a Filipino worker looking for opportunities abroad? Taiwan, with its robust economy and high demand for skilled labor, could be your next destination. The Special Hiring Program for Taiwan (SHPT), a government-to-government initiative between the Philippines and Taiwan, offers a streamlined and cost-effective pathway for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to secure jobs in sectors like manufacturing, construction, and domestic work. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the SHPT, including its benefits, eligibility, application process, and more.
What is the Special Hiring Program for Taiwan (SHPT)?
The SHPT is a collaborative program between the Philippines and Taiwan, launched on August 3, 2015, to expedite the hiring of Filipino workers for Taiwanese employers. It uses the International Direct E-recruitment System (IDES), now known as T-IDES, to match qualified OFWs with employers in Taiwan. The program is supervised by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and Taiwan’s Workforce Development Agency, ensuring a safe and legal hiring process.
Why Choose Taiwan?
- Economic Stability: Taiwan is one of Asia’s economic powerhouses, with a strong demand for skilled workers.
- High Wages: The minimum wages for SHPT workers are competitive, especially in sectors like manufacturing and caregiving.
- Job Security: The program ensures legal protections and government oversight for workers.
Eligibility and Requirements for SHPT
To participate in the SHPT, applicants must be “ready to leave,” meaning they must meet all the necessary qualifications and have their documents in order. Here are the key requirements:
- Age:
- At least 23 years old for domestic workers or caretakers.
- At least 21 years old for other sectors (e.g., manufacturing, construction).
- Work Experience:
- Sufficient experience in manufacturing, construction, fishery, domestic service, or caregiving.
- Required Documents:
- Valid passport with at least 12 months of validity.
- SSS Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID).
- National Certificate from TESDA (for skilled or caregiving categories).
- NBI clearance.
- School diploma.
- Employment certificates (if applicable).
- Other documents as specified by the program.
- Health:
- Must pass a pre-employment medical examination.
- Training:
- Willingness to undergo the OWWA’s 6-day Comprehensive Pre-Departure Education Program (CPDEP) if selected.
How to Apply for SHPT
Applying for the SHPT is a straightforward process, thanks to the electronic application system. Follow these steps to get started:
- E-Registration:
- Visit the POEA e-registration system at DMW Online Services.
- Select Taiwan as your destination.
- Complete the registration form with all required information.
- Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS):
- Complete the online PEOS at PEOS Website.
- Print your PEOS certificate for submission.
- Prepare Documents:
- Gather all required documents, including your passport, UMID, TESDA certificate, NBI clearance, and others.
- Wait for Notification:
- POEA will notify you via website announcement, SMS, or email when it’s time to submit your documents.
- Be cautious of scams; there are no application fees.
- Submit Documents:
- Submit a copy of your documents to the POEA main office or regional offices.
- Digital Photograph:
- Have your photo taken digitally or visit POEA to include it in your T-IDES profile.
- Employer Selection:
- Employers will browse the T-IDES database and select applicants based on qualifications.
- You may be interviewed or directly offered a job.
- Final Steps:
- Once selected, complete medical exams, visa applications, and attend mandatory training (e.g., OWWA’s CPDEP).
- Finalize travel arrangements.
Benefits and Compensation
One of the biggest draws of the SHPT is the attractive compensation package. Here’s what you can expect:
- Minimum Wages:
- Factory workers, fishermen, caretakers in care institutions: NT$20,008 (approx. Php28,411).
- Domestic workers or caretakers working from home: NT$17,000 (approx. Php24,000).
- Exchange rate: 1 NT$ = Php1.42.
- Contract Duration:
- Initial contract: 3 years.
- Can be extended up to 12 years if both parties agree.
- Legal Deductions:
- National Health Insurance.
- Labor Insurance.
- Income Tax.
Costs Involved
While the SHPT is designed to be cost-effective, there are still some expenses to consider:
Pre-Deployment Expenses (approximated in Php):
| Type of Fees | Amount in Php |
|---|---|
| POEA Processing /OEC | 2,253.21 |
| OWWA Contribution | 1,126.61 |
| Phil-Health Contribution | 2,400.00 |
| Pag-IBIG Contribution | 600.00 |
| SSS UMID | 1,650.00 |
| TESDA Certification | 500.00 |
| Passport Fee | 1,200.00 |
| NBI Clearance | 115.00 |
| NSO Birth Certificate | 140.00 |
| Medical Fee | 2,500.00 |
| Visa Fee | 2,800.00 |
| Airfare | 7,500.00 |
On-Site Legal Deductions (approximated in NT$):
| Type of Deduction | Amount (NT$) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Labor Insurance (Formal Sector) | 360 | Monthly |
| National Health Insurance | 295 | Monthly |
| Food and Accommodation | 0 – 4,000 | Monthly |
| Income Tax | 0 – 36,000 | Yearly |
| Medical Check-Up | 1,800 | 4x in 3 years |
| Alien Residence Certificate | 1,000 | Yearly |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is there an application fee for SHPT?
A: No, there are no application fees. Be wary of scammers asking for payment.
Q: How long does the application process take?
A: The timeline varies, but once selected, deployment can happen within a few months.
Q: Can I choose my employer?
A: Employers select applicants from the T-IDES database based on qualifications.
Q: What happens after I’m selected?
A: You’ll need to complete medical exams, visa applications, and attend mandatory training before departure.
Conclusion
The Special Hiring Program for Taiwan (SHPT) is an excellent opportunity for Filipino workers to secure stable, well-paying jobs in Taiwan. With its streamlined application process, government oversight, and attractive compensation, it’s a pathway worth exploring. If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, start by registering on the POEA e-registration system and preparing your documents.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on available data as of April 2025. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please visit the official websites of POEA (www.poea.gov.ph) and DMW (www.dmw.gov.ph).
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